By Milou Hoeft, Year 12
As most of you know, there seems to have been an increase in aggression or unacceptable behaviour at our school in the past weeks. What is the cause of this? While there is no direct answer to this question, it can be speculated that social media and today’s social norms play a role. There is no direct correlation between social media and aggression due to a lack of research in the area. However, there is a link when looking at the number of movies watched or video games played that involve aggressive behaviour. In today’s society, this type of entertainment seems to have become a regularity for many. Additionally, it could be argued that the COVID-19 lockdowns also play a role in this, for there are actually studies that prove it.
For the purpose of this article, I interviewed a previous LGB student, that is now at a different international school in Switzerland about the situation at their school.
Has your school recently seen an increase in aggression or unacceptable behaviour?
“It is difficult to say if there has been an increase in aggression or unacceptable behaviour. There have been instances of unacceptable behaviour, specifically toward individuals outside of the school’s community. There have been aggressive situations previously within the school’s community in the past few years but no more or less than currently.”
If so, what impact has this had on other students?
“The period of time after a conflict or situation definitely impacts the environment of the school. It impacts students by making certain groups feel less safe or comfortable.”
How would you compare your student life now to before the lockdowns?
“I think it’s hard to compare as it was 3+ years ago and people mature and change. I think the younger generation in the school has grown up with maybe more instances of misbehaviour/aggression. Still, there were also disrespectful situations in the older grades before Covid and the lockdown. I think the tolerance within the student body has decreased so people are held more accountable for their actions from their classmates.”
Do you think that social media has an effect on the way that people interact with each other?
“I think it can go both ways. Social media can hold people accountable for their actions and be a medium for spreading awareness, but social media can also hinder the mental well-being and relationship of students. Misinformation is also hard to keep track of on social networks.”
In your opinion, what could be done to prevent such aggression and lack of respect among students?
“Education can do a lot to prevent aggression and lack of respect among students by showing the impacts and consequences of their actions. If the school imposes a zero-tolerance policy, students can understand the severity of aggression (specifically toward targeted members of the school) and this will hopefully reduce the number of instances within a school environment.”
